MORE isn't always BETTER!

MORE isn't always BETTER!
Controversy alert! I’m going to say something you won’t hear from a lot of personal trainers.

I hope it gets you fired up – especially if you’ve been struggling. 

I know you’re busy juggling a ton of day-to-day responsibilities … 

And at the same time, your wellness goals are really important to you.

After a while, you can start to feel like a failure if you aren’t “crushing it” every day.

In our culture, we’re all about GO BIG or GO HOME … NO PAIN/NO GAIN … ALL-IN, 24/7.

Guess what? 

That mindset doesn’t work over the long run. Or maybe ever.

It just leads to feeling burned out, exhausted, and like you have failed (again).

What if instead there was a SMARTER, more EFFICIENT way?

Well, I’m here to tell you there is. 

It’s called the MINIMUM EFFECTIVE DOSE.

In a nutshell, that’s doing as little as possible to get the most results.

It’s also the most sustainable way to create REAL CHANGE in your fitness and health!

(Note: this doesn’t mean you can’t go through short “go hard or go home” periods where you are super focused. But these periods should be balanced with less intense periods, too.)

Here’s a sample of what the least effective dose can look like:

  • Fewer workouts, focused on what really moves you forward
  • Shorter, more targeted workouts
  • Or fewer AND shorter well-designed workouts
  • Concentrating on the 3-4 healthy habits with the biggest payoffs
  • Knowing what convenience foods are actually good for you vs trying to make every meal from scratch.
There are SO MANY REASONS and SEASONS to try the “minimum effective dose” method:

  • When you’re feeling stressed
  • When you have a lot of responsibilities
  • When you don’t have a lot of time
  • When you’re just starting out … or coming back after a layoff
  • When you’ve just completed a big event (like a marathon)
  • When you’re coming back after an illness or injury
What exactly the “minimum dose” looks like can depend on a lot of variables – your gender, age, health/fitness status, likes and dislikes, available time, and on and on.

—> The key is, it shouldn’t feel like a burden or a drain … and it should deliver real, quantifiable results.

It can take some experimentation, but it’s definitely worth it!

Working with a qualified professional can help you find that sweet spot – so you can still get everything you need done in a day … AND get amazing results in your fitness/wellness. 

At Elite Physique, I help my clients rediscover wellness and create longterm, sustainable healthy lifestyles. Check out my 28-Day Program that will give you a blueprint to success. I also have a few personal training slots available if you are are interested, reach out.

Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!

The only formula you need for success...

The only formula you need for success...
We all have that one thing (maybe more!) we are great at. 

  • Hitting a 3-pointer
  • Keeping our checking/savings accounts balanced
  • Home DIY projects or organization
  • Cooking a big meal 
It’s true, you might have some natural talent for those things. But the reason you got “great” at them wasn’t because of the talent.
 
It was because you gave them your attention and energy. 
 
You also probably had some guidance (whether you know it or not!).
 
It could have been learning from a high school coach, watching a video on YouTube, taking a class online, learning from a friend, and the list goes on. 
 
Another key to becoming “great”?
 
A PLAN.
 
Maybe it was a practice schedule, a budget, a worksheet, or a recipe. Even if was in your head … you probably had some kind of structure to follow. 
 
And of course, last but not least …. you took ACTION.
 
Well, that same formula works for success at practically everything.
 
Attention + Support + Proven Plan + Action = RESULTS
 
This even includes your health and fitness goals!
 
When you give your fitness and wellness attention, have support, and follow a proven plan… results will follow.
 
You just have to hang in there until you start to reap the benefits – which doesn’t take as long as you might think.
 
Take a quick inventory of your own goals right now. 
 
If you’re not on track… which part of the formula is missing? 
 
If you need some guidance, I can help. This is what I do. 

I help my clients get – and stay! – fired up with a time-tested plan for creating sustainable healthy habits, boosting your energy, and feeling great about yourself. If you’re ready to make a change, let’s chat and see what programs might fit you best.

Have an amazing week!

Yours in health,
Colleen Riddle, ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Young Living Gold Independent Distributor 
Join my Facebook Group for more wellness info!  Wellness With Colleen
850-598-7263
Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!

No. 1 tip to avoid overwhelm

 No. 1 tip to avoid overwhelm


First of all: HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY❤️! I hope you do something GREAT for your heart today.  Go for a walk, give someone you love a hug, breathe in the fresh air – anything that makes your heart happy. 

My hubby and I are going to to partner Yoga class! I'm so excited!

Today I’m going to share something really important that just might change how you look at your health & fitness. 

It’s a mindset trick that will make it EASIER for you to:

  1. Stick with the basics, 

  2. Avoid feeling overwhelmed, and 

  3. Take off some of the pressure you might feel about all things you think you “should” be doing.

Think back to the last time you had to teach someone something.

Maybe it was a new person at work … maybe it was teaching a kid to tie (or Velcro) their shoes … or maybe it was in an actual classroom.

How did you do it?

I’m guessing you didn’t overwhelm your student with EVERYTHING at once – or expect them to do it exactly right on their first (or second or third) try.

You probably started with the basics … at the very beginning … and then when they understood them, you added more info or actions. As a former third grade teacher, I learned this little tip over 25 years ago, and quickly realized that your healthy lifestyle habits are no different.

EXCEPT that we expect ourselves to be able to jump right into the deep end and do ALL the things from Day One.

(And do them perfectly.)

Not exactly a recipe for success – more like a plan for burnout and frustration.

A better approach: let yourself be like your student, and focus on 1-2 new habits and skills – actions that actually help you feel SUCCESSFUL.

And then add more when it’s time.

This could be: 

  • Starting with a few workouts a week that leave you feeling energized and stronger (vs. sore and exhausted)

  • Making changes in your meals and snacks to include foods that you love AND support your goals (vs. leave you feeling deprived with constant cravings)

  • Finding ways to fit self-care into your busy schedule (vs. always feeling like you’re behind and struggling to catch up)

Sounds pretty good, right? 

I help  my clients  create results that last a lifetime by focusing on the actions that actually WORK – for them, their goals, and their lifestyle!

I've helped hundreds of clients create sustainable, healthy lifestyles so they can have more energy, finally lose the weight, sleep better, and live an active, fulfilled life.

And I'd love to be part of your fitness/wellness team to help YOU reach your goals. 

If you’re still reading right now, it’s for a reason. You’re probably ready to make some kind of a change in your life … and that’s AMAZING. 

If this is you, let’s talk. We can figure out if I have a program that's a perfect fit for you!

Yours in health,
Colleen Riddle, ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Young Living Gold Independent Distributor 
Join my Facebook Group for more wellness info!  Wellness With Colleen
850-598-7263
Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!

Secret way to burn more calories

Secret way to burn more calories
Happy Groundhog Day! If you are disappointed that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and we have 6 more weeks of winter, I am too! I hate cold weather, but I wanted to look at the bright side of things.....

I recently read an article about the benefits of exercising in cold weather. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “studies show that exercising in cold weather can transform white fat, specifically belly and thigh fat, into calorie-burning brown fat.” Because working out in the cold activates brown fat more than exercising at room temperature does, it can potentially help efforts to lose weight.

Well, that's some good motivation to get outside and move our bodies! Here are a few tips to stay safe while exercising in colder weather:

1. Warm up with dynamic stretches (involves motion to increase circulation). Our cold muscles need extra warm up to avoid injury. Here are a few examples
     *Arm circles
     *Air squats
     *Toe Touches
     *Leg swings
     *Lunges

2. Layer your clothing and cover your head, hands, and ears

3. Stay hydrated: believe it or not, you're more prone to get dehydrated when it's cold because your thirst sensation is reduced. Drink before, during, and after exercise.

Other perks of exercising outdoors in the winter include improvements in your metabolism, fat-burning, mood, endurance, heart health and sleep. 

Let me know what exercise you do outside! 

Stay warm, and happy Ground Hog Day!

Yours in health,
Colleen Riddle, ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Young Living Gold Independent Distributor 
Join my Facebook Group for more wellness info!  Wellness With Colleen
850-598-7263


Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!

5 ways to break a sweat in 10 minutes

5 ways to break a sweat in 10 minutes

Maybe you’ve heard this saying:

“You are only one workout away from a GOOD MOOD.”

It’s SO TRUE – a workout can rev up your body’s feel-good hormones, give you a mental break, and shift your focus. Which makes it a great way to turn your day around!

A few days ago, I sent you an email about how everything is connected – your sleep, activity, food choices, stress, and so much more. 

 You can read it here: https://colleenriddle.com/blog/30890/the-real-cause-of-your-cravings- 

Anyway, I mentioned how if you’re having an “off” day in one area, taking ONE GOOD-FOR-YOU ACTION can turn it around into an “on” (or at least better) day.

A quick workout is one of the fastest ways to help with that – in just a few short minutes.

Here are 5 quick ways to get your heart pumping in just 10 minutes!

10-Minute Feel-Good Workouts:

  1. Cardio Walk: Lace up your kicks and go outside for a quick 10-minute walk. Or hit the treadmill/elliptical for 10 minutes.

  2. Strength Circuit: Repeat for a total of 10 minutes: 10 squats, 30 seconds “pretend” jump rope (or march in place), 10 pushups, 30 seconds jumping jacks, 10 lunges (each side), 10 bicycle crunches (each side), 10 glute bridges, 30-second break.

  3. Dance It Out: Turn on your favorite music and have a dance party.

  4. Aggression-Relieving Session: Alternate kickboxing moves – 30 seconds of punches with 30 seconds of kicks, 30 seconds off, for a total of 10 minutes.

  5. Cardio Cleaning Session: Set your timer for 10 mins and GO for a fast & furious chore session. Don’t get distracted. (This one isn’t as fun as the options above … but on the plus side, you’ll knock off a few things from your to-do list.)

    As you can see, you don’t need any special equipment – you just need some focus, good music, and boom! You can turn your day (& mood) around. We'd love to know if you try any of these ideas. Hop on over to the Facebook Group after you try and tell us!

    Have a fantastic day!
p.s.
If you haven't taken my survey yet, I'd greatly appreciate it! I'm working on ways to better serve my wellness community by designing programs that are tailored to your needs. Thank you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q7NC798 

Yours in health,
Colleen Riddle, ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Young Living Gold Independent Distributor 
Join my Facebook Group for more wellness info!  Wellness With Colleen
850-598-7263
Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!
 
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